Garment Care: Bunad Special
Our beautiful national costumes require gentle care with gentle products so they can be with us and bring joy for many generations. But it doesn't have to be difficult! Here is our guide on how to remove stains, care for, and store your festive garment.
Stains and washing
Bunad
Accessories
Stains on accessories such as scarves, shawls, headbands, hats, vests, bonnets, or garters can also be removed with citrus cleaner.
Bunad shirt
Bunad shirts should generally be gently hand washed or machine washed on a delicate cycle. Use mild and natural detergents, no fabric softeners, low spin, and no tumble dryer.
Stains should be removed before washing, with lemon soap:
Soak the shirt/stain and carefully work the lemon soap in with a gentle washing brush or natural sponge. Use gentle movements and plenty of water, and be extra careful with embroidery. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
If the shirt has started to yellow (and does not have colored embroidery or metal buttons/hooks that can bleed), it can be soaked in cold water overnight before washing. The same applies to white aprons.
Let the shirt dry hanging on a hanger or lying flat. Gently stretch out folds and wrinkles while it dries, and it will wrinkle less when worn.
Safe storage
Let the Bunad air out overnight after each use. This will remove odors and moisture and help the garment retain its shape.
The Bunad should be stored hanging in a bag to protect against dust, moths, and other pests. Place a cedar ring on the hanger (to protect the only entrance to the bag) and add 3-4 cedar balls to the bottom of the bag for extra protection.
If the cedar has lost its scent, it can be oiled with cedar oil or sanded with sandpaper to restore its effect.
If you suspect you have moths on your Bunad, it can be placed in the freezer for 24 hours to kill the larvae that damage the wool. Then air out the Bunad thoroughly before packing it away again.
The Bunad, and all other clothes stored for a long time, must be stored clean and in a place that is clean, and not too humid or warm.
What about the shoes?
Clean dirty shoes with the right brush, a little water, and lemon soap, polish them until they shine, and look forward to finding them ready for the next celebration!